The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) conducts a detailed analysis of product packaging in accordance with the sequences outlined in ISTA 2A. Third-party labs, like ATS, are critical to the evaluation and development of package systems needed to protect products during their transport and storage. Our environmental testing lab offers a variety of package testing services to ensure that our clients’ designs comply with ISTA regulations.
What is ISTA 2A?
The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) established the ISTA 2A standard as a series of testing procedures designed to evaluate the package integrity of packed packages weighing 150 pounds or less. The standard is an effective way to compare product package designs and ensure a package’s suitability for international distribution. To earn ISTA certification, a package must complete the following six sequences:
Sequence One
Technicians soak the package at ambient room temperature for six hours.
Sequence Two
Technicians induce atmospheric conditioning by resting the package in controlled humidity and temperature for a predetermined amount of time, which is often 72 hours.
Sequence Three
Following the conditions, experts subject the package to one of the three following compression tests, machine apply and release, machine apply and hold, or the use of a weight and load spreader. Technicians will deem any box failure that could result in a stacking failure as a failed test.
Sequence Four
The fourth sequence is one of the two following vibration tests, random vibration or fixed displacement vibration.
Sequence Five
The next method is one of the three following shock tests, drop, incline impact, or horizontal impact.
Sequence Six
The final sequence is a second round of vibration testing. Once again, the test can either be a fixed displacement or random test, but it does not have to be the same type of test selected in sequence four. The vibration test’s duration ranges from 10 to 30 minutes.
Our Commitment to Quality
Our highly trained technicians and engineers work diligently to support our clients as they develop products to improve the lives of their clients and their communities. To ensure that our customers receive satisfactory service, we make it our mission to deliver professional and prompt service for a competitive price. Call +1 (888) 287-5227 for additional information about our package tests and other environmental testing services.
